A social media workshop for Coventry and Warwickshire businesses has put Coventry and Warwickshire firmly on the social media map.
Over 50 business people attended the oversubscribed event earlier this week, where they learned the importance of integrating social media policy with business strategy to get the best out of social media activity. Delegates were advised on the best ways to curate content for compelling social media accounts, manage time spent on social media, and effectively measure Return On Investment.
The event, which was hosted as a partnership between Bridge PR & Media Services, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, and the Quality Hotel, encouraged a number of local businesses to take to social networking for the first time. Feedback from attendees has been extremely positive with 90% of businesses in attendance pledging to make their social media efforts more proactive following the workshop.
Denise Taylor, managing director of Bridge PR and Media Services said: “Many businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire are set up on social networking websites but are unsure of how best to utilise the medium. Our social media workshop aimed to dispel some of the myths behind social media and promote the benefits that it can bring when used as part of an overall business strategy.”
Further to the advice and support offered at the workshop, two lucky attendees won the opportunity to gain professional assistance with their social media from Bridge. With very few companies in the region taking advantage of the many benefits that social media can bring to business, Bridge is helping them to keep up with the evolving trend. Mask-arade, a Southam based company that featured on Dragons Den was another of the businesses that was keen to further it’s social media knowledge by soaking up Bridge PR’s key tips.
Dean Walton, managing director of Mask-arade and director at Alumet Solutions said: “I already use social media in both businesses, but with technology moving so fast there are always some new techniques to learn. The workshop provided good networking opportunities and I gained further knowledge of certain social media management. It’s taught me to use keyword tags on images and videos, Google alerts for competitors, and use infographics curate content.”
Pailton Engineering and Turning Heads Photography were the two lucky companies that each won a prize hidden underneath their seat in the presentation, kindly donated by Bridge PR and Media Services. The prizes entitle them to some professional assistance with their social media accounts.
Avneet Jaspal from Pailton Engineering said: “We already have a social media presence at Pailton Engineering, however we are always keen to seek external advice on how we can enhance it. The workshop proved extremely useful in teaching how to fully implement it into the business strategy in order to get the most from it. We are also looking forward to working with Bridge PR in regards to the prize we won.”
Tracy Benbow, business advisor at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce said: “To many, Social Media has become an essential part of their business. The Chamber works with its member companies to provide practical help and support that will increase their understanding and support their business objectives. The event helped all who attended to take information and hints and tips about how to maximise social media in their business. Huge credit to our members who actively contributed to the session and made it a ‘must repeat’ event.”
Businesses are already expressing their interest in future events, and the three host companies plan to continue them, opening further opportunities for their local business community.
